DIAGNOSIS
Medical experts may provide treatments for symptoms like anxiety, depression, angry outbursts, or for treatment of drug abuse.
An individual with this disorder may not accurately provide an account of symptoms and signs. However, diagnosing an affected person through the help of others might be useful for information gathering. Family and friends of the individual with an antisocial personality disorder may provide helpful information to help the physician identify the signs and symptoms.
After excluding other health problems, the health care provider may now refer the patient to a mental health professional for further evaluation.
Diagnosing a person with an antisocial personality disorder is typically based on:
- Medical and personal history
- Symptoms listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
- A psychological examination that uncovers feelings, thoughts, behavioral patterns, relationships, and family history
It is often hard to determine if a person is suffering from such a disorder. However, a history of behaviors such as violating school rules, skipping school, and other disruptive behaviors may help the physician confirm his diagnosis.
Immediate medical attention for persons with an antisocial personality disorder may help improve long-term outcomes.
TREATMENT
An antisocial personality disorder may be difficult to treat, but continuous treatment and follow-ups may be beneficial. Treatment usually depends on each person’s willingness, situation, and the severity of symptoms.
An antisocial personality disorder may be treated through:
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy or psychotherapy is sometimes used to treat patients with antisocial personality disorder. Therapy may include, treatment for drug abuse, anger management, and other mental health conditions.
However, if a patient shows severe symptoms, and the patient can’t admit the seriousness of the effects of his behavior; this kind of treatment may not be effective in treating such disorder.
Medications
The Food and Drug Administration has no specific medications to treat antisocial personality disorder. However, some medical experts may prescribe the use of medicines for depression, anxiety, or aggression. It is not advised to take such drugs without consulting your physician.